Protests are continuing in our city and around the country this week. But for those who don’t feel safe showing up to march (or who want to do more), the question of “What can I do?” is as pertinent as it’s ever been.
A few Seattle-specific ideas:
Donate to a local bail fund.
Two causes that come to mind immediately: the Black Lives Matter Freedom Fund and the Northwest Community Bail Fund. More broadly speaking, there’s also Social Justice Fund Northwest, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and the local chapter of the NAACP.
Support POC-owned businesses.
Intentionalist maintains a robust directory of Black-owned restaurants, cafes, and more on its website. Meanwhile, several establishments in the Chinatown-International District — like Jade Garden — suffered damage last weekend. Now is the time to branch out from your usual takeout routine (or buy a gift card for later if you can’t get there in person).
Listen to local Black voices.
Seattle is home to amazing writers, teachers, and activists who have been pushing for things like police reform and education equity since long before the rest of us started paying attention. Just a few of the many you should know: Jesse Hagopian, Marcus Harrison Green, Charles Mudede, Nikkita Oliver, Ijeoma Oluo, Omari Salisbury, Shaun Scott, and the folks behind Africatown Seattle.
Educate yourself on Seattle’s history of systemic racism and police brutality.
Two places to start: this overview of the 2012 consent decree between SPD and the U.S. Department of Justice, and our explainer about Seattle’s history of redlining and racist housing policies.
What actions are you taking or would you like to see others taking? Send us an email to let us know: [email protected].Â